Lafayette was incorporated in 1968 for the preservation and enhancement of the semi-rural character of the community. Lafayette is located on 15 square miles in Contra Costa County and is noted for its high quality of life with top rated schools, low crime rate, small town downtown, clean air, mild climate and oak tree-studded hills. Its location between Berkeley and Walnut Creek, bordering Orinda, provides easy access to Oakland, San Francisco, and the East Bay business center, Walnut Creek.

​

In the last 10 years, Lafayette experienced some of the highest home appreciation rates of any community nationwide. Real estate in Lafayette appreciated over 50% over the last ten years, an average annual home appreciation rate of 4.15%. If you are a home buyer or real estate investor, this community definitely has a track record of being one of the best long term real estate investments.